The Pup

Edit: Comment removed.

Congratulations...great post! If I may ask one question...before you stated: Did you have to add Dry Acid to get your ph down after it was raised by aeration, or did it fall back into range on its own? For years I had fought the ph rise until finally realizing the interdependence between TA and CH (as it relates to ph). Typically for my water situation, I just needed to lower my TA and the degree of ph rise after each spa use was significantly mitigated. Note: I used a similar approach as Nitro's prescribed method for more than 20 years with no real issues to speak of...it works! However, because I can be called away at any time because of my work...I am currently using a Bromine 3-step method with the dual-cartridge Spa Frog (Bromine & Mineral). I buy everything in bulk online. I have to replace the Bromine cartridge every 3 months ($6 each) and the mineral cartridge every 4 months. I use less than 2 ounces of MPS each week to maintain Bromine sanitizer levels at 0.5-1.0 ppm...with very-little-to-no smell and no scum, foam or itching...I guess I spend $3 a month in chemicals to maintain my hot tub's crystal clear water chemistry. After using hot tubs since the early '70s...I have really expanded my understanding of hot tub water chemistry from reading most every post on this forum.

There you have it.

Using Nitro's Chlorine "system" is indeed worth trying. If done properly, you will save money and have an extremely low smell and skin irritant answer to maintaining your spa's sanitizer levels. I have used the same approach in the past for many years with no issues or concerns. Edit: If your skin is truly sensitive to Chlorine (as applied in the below referenced method), then perhaps even a mildly chlorinated spa is not compatible with your condition. Reference: Nitro's Approach To Water Maintenance A guide to Water Balance and Sanitation using Chlorine http://www.poolspaforum.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=13634

You will still need a sanitizer. I am currently using a 3-step bromine system with a dual-cartridge Spa Frog (bromine and mineral) and a UV Ozinator (I use bromine because my work may require me to travel at any time). With this current system, I am able to maintain a proper sanitizer level (at 0.5-to-1.0 ppm) with low bromine demand. I also use only very small amounts of MPS to shock the spa after each use or at least weekly (usually 1 oz every other use and usually not more than 2 oz per week depending on the bromine readings) and 1 hour of filtering every 12 hours at 100F (the ozinator runs during the spa's filtration cycle). I am also noticing very little to no bromine odor and my wife, who has very sensitive skin, has had no issues. However, I do not know if this system will work for you...I am told that some folks may have reactions to MPS and even small amounts of bromine. We use the spa about five times per week for 30-to-50 minutes on average. The cost has been very reasonable to me...on average, I am replacing one Spa Frog bromine cartridge every 2-to-3 months (cartridge set on 3) and the mineral cartridge every 4 months as directed. I buy all of my spa chemicals in bulk including the Spa Frog refills online at about $6 per cartridge. I buy 38% MPS in a 25 lbs container which will last for many years...same with water balancing chemicals too. I just keep refilling the smaller marketed-for-Spa-use containers with the much cheaper bulk chemicals which do the exact same thing. This method has saved me a great deal of money over the 30+ years I have been at it.

I have read this passage a couple of times before...but for some reason today, the light bulb above my head just turned on bright: "pH will have a tenancy to rise with aeration (i.e. use of jets and air), more so if your TA is high. Although, as long as you're not adding Acid (or anything with a lower pH) to your tub, the pH will not usually drop. Therefore, in hot tubs the problem is normally pH rise (or Drift), because of all the aeration. So the trick is to get the TA high enough to not create an unstable situation, and low enough to not allow pH to rise too much. Let me repeat the last sentence, because it's the single most important thing to keeping your water balanced. The key to having balanced water, without pH drift, is having the correct TA level. If you find your pH rises too high (>8.0) after using your tub, your TA is too high, and needs to be lowered. If you find your pH is too low and/or your water is continually acidic, your TA is too low and needs to be raised. By fine tuning your TA, you can get your pH perfectly balanced, that rarely needs adjustment." I would also enjoy learning more about the relationship between TA and Ch. "SO, what's a good TA then? That depends on your CH."

No gate valves?

I did not know that.

Thank you Sir. I was a bit frustrated trying to find any information about this spa and I thought I would post something on the rare chance someone else might research this particular model in the future (unlikely I assume). The Catalina website does not provide much information...I suppose they rely on their dealer networks and sales personnel.

Update (for information only): We have not had any nights below freezing for over a month and the Spa (Catalina Quebec) temperature only varies -1 degree F. As an experiment, I am now running the filter cycle for just 1 hour every 12 hours to see how well the Bromine demand remains stable...so far all is well and the spa has not dropped below 99F with a target temp of 100F. Note 1: The owner's manual states you cannot select a filter cycle in Economy Mode less than 2 hours...when in fact you can select from 1-12 hours in 1-hour increments running twice per day. Note 2: The electronics are Balboa M7 Elite Series with a 3kw Titanium (Inconel is another option available) heating element servicing 400-420 gallons (1590 Litres). Today I found a USB port connected to the spa contol which allows for remote monitoring and control (for what reason I have no idea). Note 3: The Catalina web site erroneously reported the spa as having 120 sq ft of filtration when in fact it uses two Unicel 6CH-940 filters at 45 sq ft each (90 sq ft total). Note 4: In Europe, the Catalina Quebec is marketed as the Premium 800CD...UK vendor websites seem to offer more information than the US Catalina Spa website.

I am doing basically the same as you for many years and all is well...just keep an eye on your sanitizer levels; with my new tub (ozone & Spa Frog Bromine/Mineral cartridges), I am able to maintain a base of 1-2ppm...which of course goes up a bit for a day or two after I introduce the MPS shock. Note: I usually will check my water before each use...if the Bromine levels are on the low side...I do not hesitate to shock after use. Also, sometimes those test strips are hard to read for some people and may not be accurate for their needs, so I recommend a test kit like the Taylor K-2106 if you are trying to accurately assess your Bromine levels at such low levels (I think it is quite accurate down to 1.25ppm). However, even though I have a K-2106 myself, I am often lazy and use the Leisure Time 4-way test strips (which seem to be fairly accurate for my needs). http://www.taylortechnologies.com/products....asp?KitID=2232

I am posting this for information only, largely because I could not find much information on the Catalina Quebec Spa before I purchased mine not long ago. In CA, we are seeing more-and-more folks in dire economic circumstances selling "luxury" items on Craigslist and eBay. In November I picked-up a never installed Catalina Quebec Spa with more rotating jets than I have the patience to count, a matching gazebo (and a cool Bull BBQ island too). Catalina's warranty agent accepted the warranty card because it was never used/registered...time will tell. What I have discerned from the web so far, Catalina Spas may not have the best warranty/reputation, but this Spa is a certain upgrade from my 21 year old CalSpa (which I kept running and now is faithfully serving the needs of a good friend and neighbor). After a few electric bills...it looks like I am averaging less than $20 per month in electricity (vs. $25-30 with the older Spa) and our chemical usage seems far less too. We also have a 2008 Hotsprings Sovereign SPA at our LV home which is very nice too...you can find all kinds of reviews and information on the web (it must be more popular). Although too early for a review...I can say that my wife and I are absolutely very comfortable with the Catalina Spa's seating since the rotating jets are flush mounted and the foot-well massage jets are nothing less than remarkable (we both suffer from arthritis and general old-age aches and pain). This is the most comfortable Spa we have ever used (I am 6' 2" and my wife is 5' 3.5" ...she always includes the 1/2"). The lounger is somehow designed for both of us in mind as it is perfectly comfortable despite are height differences. I live in the high desert and we get some below-freezing days but the Spa's temperature only appears to vary about 2-3 degrees F when in Economy Mode (100F 2-hrs low-cycle filtration every 12 hours); this may indicate the use of effective insulation (as installed on a concrete slab). Although it is difficult to determine...our best guess is that we are using about $20 a month in electricity and we have been using the Spa around 4-6 times a night (45-55 minutes on average). The built-in 4x50w Kenwood Marine CD/MP3-docking stereo system sounds very good indeed (much better than I expected); we also appreciate the remote stereo control panel. This Quebec spa has a nice waterfall feature and the LED lighting options are relaxing and perfect for setting the right ambiance. The spa also seems very quiet when in use which helps us to relax better. I am currently using a 3-step Bromine system with Spa Frog and we are able to maintain bromine reserves quite easily and seem to be experiencing far less bromine-demand. In Economy Mode, the water is crystal clear, with no apparent odor, scaling or foam. I buy my water balancing chemicals in bulk and I am having good luck keeping things in check at the moment. Also, the drain is at the dead bottom and the first drain/refill was very easy...vs. having to scoop-out a foot-well. The spa cover lift system is easy to use and we will have to wait to see how well the thick cover stands up...it is a complete seal even though the Catalina Quebec has four lobes for the marine speakers at each corner. The shell was designed well to ensure a good seal which may be contributing to our lower energy costs. The matching Catalina-sourced solid Mahogany "Garden House" gazebo seems well constructed and it is a step-up from our previous Redwood and lattice gazebo it replaced. All-in-all (after a brief honeymoon period), we are greatly enjoying our Catalina Quebec Spa.

Thank you for the helpful information. Mike